Catriona’s win assures Young Focus Philippines of funding for 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s win has truly shed light on her advocacy for children’s welfare as the non-government organization she supports, Young Focus Philippines, already covered its financial needs for 2019.

Gray happily shared the good news in an Instagram post on Wednesday: “I am so grateful and proud to learn today that since winning @missuniverse, my young focus family has received amazing amounts of support.”

“So much so that the entire financial needs for the year of 2019 has been covered,” she added.

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The beauty queen then thanked those who have supported Young Focus: “Thank you to all who have and continue to support the amazing work that they do! We’re not only looking for the silver lining but working together to create a silver lining for our country’s children.”

Co-founder of Young Focus Philippines Ann van Wijgerden told INQUIRER.net that the budget for next year’s school year has already been covered thanks to Catriona’s win.

“The gap we had for next school year’s budget has now been filled because of extra general funding we’ve received, as well as more people sponsoring students,” Wijgerden said on Thursday in a text message.

“This has come in because of the exposure we’ve received thanks to Catriona,” she added.

Wijgerden shared that the donations mostly came from local and international organizations as well as private individuals who simply wanted to extend their help to the kids of Tondo.

The kids of Tondo played a big part in Gray’s answer during the question and answer portion of the coveted international pageant last December.

In fact, Gray had been active in volunteer work for Young Focus Philippines even before she joined Binibining Pilipinas.

Young Focus Philippines is a non-profit organization that supports the education, nutrition, and social welfare of children.